Ann Ocean
asked
Penelope Douglas:
How long does it usually take for you to write a book? And when you are in the process do other things distract you to the point that it's hard to get back to it? Lastly, what is the longest its taken you to finish?
Penelope Douglas
Hey, Kim!
It usually takes me 5-6 months to finish a book, writing full time. And yes, I used to get easily distracted. While writing Bully, I stopped for 2 weeks to watch every season of Prison Break on Netflix. lol. But I had a full time job then, I didn't think Bully would become much, so I wasn't motivated to get it done in a timely manner. Since I write full time now and this is my sole source of income, I've developed a routine. During my daughter's school hours, I'm at the computer without fail.
As for how long was the longest time it took me to finish a book, Bully took nearly a year, but I also worked full time while writing it. Now I'd have to say Corrupt. It's taken me six months writing only that full time, but more than a year to plan.
Everyone writes differently, so it's hard not to compare myself to others who write books in just 4 weeks. My stories tend to be REALLY angsty and all those emotions are wearing on me, whereas someone else's stories might be heavy on humor instead. By the end of the writing day, my body is in knots, and I'm exhausted. But I'm happy with it, and I've found that it's quality, not quantity that's important. However long it takes you is however long it takes you. In the end, readers will care more about the care and effort you put into your work. <3
Thanks for the questions!
It usually takes me 5-6 months to finish a book, writing full time. And yes, I used to get easily distracted. While writing Bully, I stopped for 2 weeks to watch every season of Prison Break on Netflix. lol. But I had a full time job then, I didn't think Bully would become much, so I wasn't motivated to get it done in a timely manner. Since I write full time now and this is my sole source of income, I've developed a routine. During my daughter's school hours, I'm at the computer without fail.
As for how long was the longest time it took me to finish a book, Bully took nearly a year, but I also worked full time while writing it. Now I'd have to say Corrupt. It's taken me six months writing only that full time, but more than a year to plan.
Everyone writes differently, so it's hard not to compare myself to others who write books in just 4 weeks. My stories tend to be REALLY angsty and all those emotions are wearing on me, whereas someone else's stories might be heavy on humor instead. By the end of the writing day, my body is in knots, and I'm exhausted. But I'm happy with it, and I've found that it's quality, not quantity that's important. However long it takes you is however long it takes you. In the end, readers will care more about the care and effort you put into your work. <3
Thanks for the questions!
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